In a groundbreaking move, PEACE Magazine is set to honour the academic excellence of 22 brilliant Nigerian Muslim women, debunking societal misconceptions about veiled women.
The Honour Roll Ceremony, themed “Celebrating Intelligent Brains under the VEIL,” recognizes these young women’s outstanding achievements as valedictorians, first-class graduates, and best female students from federal universities.
“Since its inception in 2002, PEACE Magazine has been a beacon of Islamic advocacy and responsible news reporting. Over the past two decades, it has risen to become a respected voice in Islamic journalism, committed to dispelling stereotypes, uplifting the Muslim community, and promoting the values of faith, knowledge, and modesty. This milestone celebration is a testament to the magazine’s unwavering dedication to its mission, despite the challenges faced along the way.
“The Honour Roll Ceremony carries a theme that strikes at the heart of misconceptions about Muslim women in Nigeria and beyond- ‘Celebrating Intelligent Brains under the VEIL’. In an era when some parts of society glorify superficial values, this event shines a spotlight on the remarkable academic achievements of hijab-wearing women who have defied the odds and proven their brilliance. These young women, selected based on their outstanding performances as valedictorians, first-class graduates, and best female students from federal universities, represent the best of Nigeria’s future leaders.
“This event seeks to make these graduates role models for other young female students in tertiary institutions, to prepare them as future Islamic workers and leaders, also to celebrate their brilliance as part of a rewarding system that Islam encourages, and to Facilitate the start of their employment process in appropriate sectors of the economy. As we celebrate their Excellence, Modesty, Dignity, and Honour, we are reminded of the values as contained in Surah An-Nur (24:30-31).
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“The event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, at 1:30 p.m, at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Auditorium, in the Central Business District of Abuja. A distinguished array of guests will be in attendance, including accomplished scholars and Thought leaders, making this ceremony one of the most anticipated Islamic events of the year.
“The ceremony will be chaired by Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN, FCIArb, a Senior Advocate and highly respected figure in the Nigerian legal and academic circles. Special guest of honour Alh. Lawal Garba MFR, the Chairman, Trobell International Limited. The guest speaker will be Professor Usman Muhammad Shu’aib (Zunnurain), Director of the International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance at Bayero University, Kano, whose expertise will provide a powerful backdrop for the celebration of these outstanding graduates.
“A number of high-profile dignitaries will grace the ceremony with their presence, further elevating the significance of the event. These include:
Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Supreme Court of Nigeria. Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, FNIFST, FCOFP, MIFT, Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo. Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University. Alhaja Muibat F. Aribidesi (FNCS), National Chairperson of NUDS Women’s Wing and PEACE Magazine Matron. Dr. Habiba Muda Lawal, OON, Former Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Hajia Kaltume Bulama Gana fsna, Artistic Director/CEO, National Troupe of Nigeria. Malam Shehu Wada Esq., Principal Partner, Shehu Wada & Co. Malam Tanko Isiaku Gwamna, Chairman, TAJ Bank. Alhaji Bola Munirudeen Oyebanji, MD/CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). His Excellency Aiyub Omar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria. Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General, Voice of Nigeria. Mallam Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, Board Chairman, JAIZ Bank Plc. Hajiya Halima Ishaq, Head of Corporate Communications, JAIZ Bank Plc. Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission. Alh. Bashir Idris, Lifidin Jama’a of Jama’a Emirate Council, Patron of PEACE Magazine. Honourable Justice Habeeb Wale Abiru, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Hon. Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Ph.D, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Honourable Minister of Youth Development. Dr. Mariya Mahmud, Honourable Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory. AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, DVM (ABU), PhD, Force Gender Advisor to the Inspector General of Police, President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria. Honourable Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Employment. Malam Alhassan Abdulkarim, Executive Director North, JAIZ Bank Plc. Hajiya Zainab Abdulrrahman, Board Chairman, JAIZ Takaful Limited. Professor Aisha Maikudi, Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja.
“In addition to individual dignitaries, prominent organizations such as ‘Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)’ and ‘Education Social and Health Mission (MESH)’ will be represented at the event, alongside ‘Crown Takaful Limited’ and ‘JAIZ Takaful Limited’.
This celebration marks the beginning of an enduring legacy, as PEACE Magazine aims to make the Honour Roll Ceremony an annual event. Through this platform, we intend to continuously spotlight the brilliance of Muslim women, challenging societal stereotypes, and celebrating values that honor modesty, chastity, and fidelity.
This unique event serves as a reminder that under the veil of modesty lies a world of untapped potential, intelligence, and ambition. These young women are living proof that the hijab is not a barrier but a crown worn by scholars, leaders, and change-makers.